If a shibboleth, by one definition, is a commonplace word or phrase that can identify one's cultural identity , then it's somewhat synonymous with an old saw, which can kill you--especially if it's a rusty old saw.

saparris wrote:If a shibboleth, by one definition, is a commonplace word or phrase that can identify one's cultural identity , then it's somewhat synonymous with an old saw, which can kill you--especially if it's a rusty old saw.

Like "y'all" in caroliner? What is your particular
shibboleth? That might be an interesting topic.

I think the traditional meaning of "shibboleth" went beyond word or phrase, to include such things as images and objects, as well. The fish symbol, for example, was used as a shibboleth for early Christians and has been, er, resurrected as a shibbolethic bumper sticker in the last few decades.

I have always had the sense that it was a bit secretive, as well. A frat boy displays his Greek letters, which to my thinking are not a shibboleth. There are shibboleths for the fraternity, as well, and they are not made public.

Last edited by beck123 on Tue Feb 02, 2010 7:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.